Osaka Travel Guide

Japan's third largest city, the industrial metropolis of Osaka
lies just 26 miles (42km) south of Kyoto. Osaka is an ancient city,
powerful in the days of the feudal lords and samurai. Now the city
is a commercial hub, focused on making money and having a good
time: it has a reputation in Japan as one of the best places to
eat, drink and be merry.

It is worthwhile visiting the city just to see the magnificent
Osaka Castle. Osaka's castle dates back to the 16th century, built
by the powerful lord Hideyoshi Toyotomi. It was rebuilt following
World War II, renovated in 1997, and is today a national treasure.
The city has a number of other attractions, including museums
dedicated to science, wood-block printing, peace, and even ramen!
There are also a number of beautiful temples, and the famous
Bunraku Puppet Theatre. Other attractions in Osaka include an
impressive aquarium, a spa with a bathhouse that can accommodate
5,000 people, and Universal Studios Japan, a theme park focusing on
the American movie industry.

Osaka offers many of the same hardcore shopping opportunities
that Japan's other major metropolises do, with the most famous
shopping district, Shinsaibashi, offering a mixture of department
stores, fashionable boutiques, and Western stores. Nipponbashi is
the best place to go for electronics.

Osaka has a distinct cuisine, putting its unique stamp on
everything from sushi to Okonomiyaki (DIY-style curbside fare).
You'll find cheap and easy food at Tsuruhashi Fûgetsu. After
dinner, head out for some fun in one of the karaoke bars. The
liveliest nightlife is found in Dotombori.

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